Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?

Yes, but thaw them completely first and pat very dry with paper towels. Frozen fillets cooked directly in the air fryer will release too much moisture and won't develop that desirable crispy exterior.

What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can absolutely make this recipe in an oven! Preheat to 425°F and bake the fish on a lined baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes. The texture won't be quite as crispy, but the flavor will still be wonderful.

Can I make this with other types of fish?

Definitely! This recipe works beautifully with other white fish like cod, sole, or flounder. Just adjust cooking time slightly for thicker fillets (add 1-2 minutes) or thinner fillets (reduce by 1-2 minutes).

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! This recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making it perfect for keto or low-carb diets. The spice rub contains no sugar, and the sauce is primarily fat-based.

Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Tilapia Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tilapia fillets (4-6 ounces each); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

This incredibly tender and flavorful Air Fryer Tilapia is a game-changer for quick dinners! Ready in just 7 minutes, this recipe transforms mild white fish into a delicious meal with a perfect crispy exterior and juicy interior. The simple spice rub and luscious lemon butter sauce elevate this dish to restaurant quality with minimal effort—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something impressive without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From start to finish, you’ll have perfectly cooked fish on the table in under 10 minutes. This is truly the fastest dinner you’ll ever make!
Foolproof: Even if you’re nervous about cooking fish, the air fryer makes it nearly impossible to mess up. The fish comes out perfectly cooked every single time.
Healthy Yet Indulgent: Tilapia is naturally lean and protein-rich, but the lemon butter sauce adds just enough decadence to make this feel like a special treat.
No Fishy Smell: Using the air fryer contains those cooking odors that can linger when baking fish in a conventional oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Tilapia Fillets: The star of the show! This mild white fish has a delicate flavor that takes on seasonings beautifully and cooks quickly.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to the fish without overpowering it.
Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential for bringing out the fish’s natural flavors.
Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic flavor without the risk of burning that fresh garlic might have at high temperatures.
Butter: Creates the base for our luxurious sauce. Use unsalted if you’re watching sodium levels.
Fresh Garlic: Nothing beats the aromatic punch of fresh minced garlic in the sauce.
Lemon Juice: The bright acidity perfectly balances the richness of the butter and complements the fish beautifully.
Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and beautiful color to finish the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize this recipe:

Spice Options

Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mix for some heat.
Cajun Style: Swap the basic spice mix for Cajun seasoning for a New Orleans twist.
Blackened: Create a robust blackened seasoning blend with more herbs and spices.

Sauce Alternatives

Teriyaki: Marinate the fillets in teriyaki sauce for 10 minutes before air frying for an Asian-inspired flavor.
Lemon Pepper: Keep it classic with fresh lemon juice and cracked peppercorns.
Herb Butter: Add different fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or basil to the butter sauce.

How to Make Air Fryer Tilapia

Step 1: Prep and Season

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and give the basket a quick spray with cooking oil. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels—this is crucial for achieving that nice crispy exterior! Mix your smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl, then rub this seasoning blend all over both sides of the fish with your hands.

Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection

Place your seasoned tilapia in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd (work in batches if needed). Give the tops a light spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness, then air fry for about 7 minutes total, flipping carefully halfway through the cooking time.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce

While your fish is cooking away to perfection, quickly whip up the sauce. In a small bowl, combine your melted butter, minced fresh garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Whisk everything together until well blended.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once the tilapia is done—it should flake easily with a fork—transfer it to serving plates. Generously brush or drizzle that magnificent lemon butter sauce over the top. Serve immediately while everything is hot and at its most delicious!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip Drying the Fish: Pat those fillets completely dry before seasoning. This prevents steaming and ensures a better crisp texture.
Watch the Cooking Time: Tilapia cooks incredibly quickly. Start checking at 6 minutes if your fillets are on the thinner side.
Avoid Overcrowding: For the crispiest results, make sure the fillets aren’t touching in the air fryer basket.
Room Temperature Butter: If you have time, let your butter come to room temperature before melting—it will blend more smoothly with the lemon juice.
Fresh Lemon Makes a Difference: While bottled juice works in a pinch, the brightness of fresh-squeezed lemon truly elevates this simple sauce.

How to Serve

This air fryer tilapia is versatile enough to pair with countless sides. Here are some perfect companions:

Light and Fresh

Serve alongside a simple green salad, steamed asparagus, or lemon-dressed broccoli for a light, healthy meal.

Satisfying Starches

For a more filling dinner, pair with garlic mashed potatoes, lemon herb rice, or roasted baby potatoes.

Complete Meal Ideas

For a restaurant-quality presentation, place the tilapia on a bed of wilted spinach with a side of herbed quinoa or couscous and a wedge of lemon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. I recommend storing the fish separate from any unused sauce for best results.

Freezing

Cooked tilapia freezes surprisingly well! Once completely cooled, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

The air fryer works beautifully for reheating too! Just 2 minutes at 350°F will restore the crispy edges. Alternatively, microwave for 20-30 seconds for a quick fix, though you’ll lose some of the texture. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice after reheating to brighten the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?

Yes, but thaw them completely first and pat very dry with paper towels. Frozen fillets cooked directly in the air fryer will release too much moisture and won’t develop that desirable crispy exterior.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can absolutely make this recipe in an oven! Preheat to 425°F and bake the fish on a lined baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes. The texture won’t be quite as crispy, but the flavor will still be wonderful.
Can I make this with other types of fish?

Definitely! This recipe works beautifully with other white fish like cod, sole, or flounder. Just adjust cooking time slightly for thicker fillets (add 1-2 minutes) or thinner fillets (reduce by 1-2 minutes).
Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! This recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making it perfect for keto or low-carb diets. The spice rub contains no sugar, and the sauce is primarily fat-based.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Tilapia recipe might just become your new weeknight hero. It proves that incredible, restaurant-worthy seafood doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or complex techniques. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes, you can transform simple fish fillets into a meal that feels special enough for company but easy enough for everyday. The combination of perfectly cooked fish and that luscious lemon butter sauce is truly unbeatable. Give it a try—I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!